Maximize Your Compensation
Getting the best compensation after a personal injury or collision starts with taking the right steps to document and evaluate your losses. The more thorough and accurate your records, the stronger your case will be when seeking financial recovery. By staying proactive and organized, you can protect your rights and ensure no details are overlooked.
Be cautious with insurance companies
In Arizona, the negligent party or at-fault driver is responsible for paying damages. Insurance companies often send adjusters to assess physical damages or medical claims. Your insurance company might cover your losses in other situations (such as hit-and-runs or collisions involving uninsured drivers). Whether an adjuster works for your insurance company or the at-fault party, caution is necessary. These adjusters strive to keep payouts low for their companies. Even innocent-sounding questions could aim to reduce the value of your claim.
Lay the groundwork to recover lost income
Making ends meet after an injury can be challenging, especially when your condition prevents you from working. A personal injury lawsuit can help you recover financially. You should document:
- Proof of income before the accident: Pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, invoices, contracts, letters from your employer
- Correspondence: Letters or emails to and from your employer discussing your inability to work and accommodations made for disabilities
If you were injured while working or driving for work at the time of your incident, you might also be entitled to Arizona workers’ compensation benefits. To qualify, you must file your claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona within 1 year of your injury or as soon as you first became aware of it. Depending on your situation, workers’ compensation benefits may provide:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) totaling two-thirds of your average monthly wage, issued every 14 days
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) totaling two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury wage and what you can earn during recovery, paid monthly
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits based on your loss of earning capacity or outlined schedules for specific injuries
- Fatality benefits, which are payments to dependents or a surviving spouse, plus burial expenses up to $5,000
Understanding how to file a claim and what benefits you are entitled to get is key to recovering your lost income. A qualified attorney can guide you through the process and protect your rights.
Get professional estimates for property damage
Estimates provide a clear assessment of repair costs for vehicles or damaged property. Multiple estimates from qualified repair shops or contractors can ensure a fair damage valuation. Your lawyer can use any estimates you receive to negotiate with insurance companies. Keep detailed records of all repair estimates, receipts, and related expenses for your attorney to use.
